Music

Jessica Wunsch | July 8, 2013 - 3:28 pm

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EDM wunderkind Karma Kid sits down with VIBE as he drops an exclusive edit of his breakout track, “In My Arms.” Take a listen below and get an in-depth look one of the hottest young things coming out of the UK. The 18-year-old, born Sam Knowles, serves up the method for how to be taken seriously in the music biz at a young age and his dream team collab…

VIBE: Where did you get the name Karma Kid? Are you big believer of the concept?Karma Kid: I got the name Karma Kid around two years ago, when I was trying to think of an alias for my music. I was shopping with a friend of mine and bad things kept happening to me throughout the day. I lost my wallet and train ticket, and my friend had to buy me a new one. When we sat on the train home, he just called me Karma Kid and it clicked basically!

What’s it been like reaching such a high level of success at such a young age. What has been your proudest moment so far?
I still don’t feel successful as such, but I’m really happy with the way things are going at the moment and I’m really excited to see what happens next! I’d say my proudest moment so far was being asked to do a five minute mini-mix for Annie Mac on Radio 1. It had always been a dream of mine to make one and I was so excited to be asked.

Where would do you credit to the majority of your musical success? Do you feel it stems more from the music or social media promotion?
I’d like to think that my success so far has stemmed from my music as I think there’s a big demand for this sound currently in the UK, but I’d be nowhere without my team supporting me. I’m very thankful to my agent, manager and everyone else. They’ve been perfect!

The single you produced that’s been buzzing lately is ‘In My Arms’. Can you explain the track in your own words. What inspired you to create it?
The initial idea for ‘In My Arms’ was created after a very heavy night in Southend, and I made it to soothe my headache. It started as a pretty mellow, feel good track, which eventually ended up turning into more of a club record. I wanted to make something that would make people feel happy while listening to it at home or in the club. I don’t think there’s enough truly feel good music out there these days.

Who would make up your collaboration dream-team (it can include producers, rappers, singers, etc)?
For me, it would be a dream to get in the studio with Meli’sa Morgan and Quincey Jones. They’re big inspirations of mine and it would be amazing to work with them.

As a fast-growing producer, what are some things you hope to accomplish/see on your bucket list? (Places to visit, food to eat, things to do, etc.)
Obviously there are a lot of things I want to do as soon as I can. I love experiencing different cultures and seeing the world through different perspectives. I’m hoping to travel out to America at the end of this year, which is very exciting, and I’m also very eager to visit Japan.

Do you find it hard sometimes as a young producer to be taken seriously given your age? If so, how do you manage?
Initially, being immersed into the industry was very daunting but it’s amazing how quickly I’ve learnt the ropes. It can be pretty difficult to be taken seriously, but I believe that by acting professional and friendly, people soon forget about your age.